An Integrated Mapping And Remote Sensing Investigation Of The Structural Control For Fumarole Location In The Eburru Volcanic Complex, Kenya Rift

Conference Paper: An Integrated Mapping And Remote Sensing Investigation Of The Structural Control For Fumarole Location In The Eburru Volcanic Complex, Kenya Rift

Abstract

The Eburru volcanic complex is located in the central portion of the Kenya Rift. It belongs to the complex of volcanoes - Suswa, Longonot, Olkaria, Eburru, and Menengai - that. form the Kenya Dome. These volcanoes are geothermal fields, and Olkaria is the site for the first geothermal power plant commissioned in 1981 in the East African Rift System (EARS). The Eburru volcanic complex is formed of trachytes, pantellerites, and pyroclastic deposits (Sutherland, 1971; Bailey et al, 1975; Omenda, 1997). It is associated with the Ndabibi and Elmenteita basaltic fields, which are in the low-lying plains surrounding the volcanic complex. 'This study used geologic mapping and interpretation of aerial photos and satellite imagery to define a detailed stratigraphic section for the area. In addition, the integration of the satellite image and geologic map into Arc View served to identify faults and their association with flows, fumaroles, and hydrothermally altered zones. It is estimated that about 80% of the fumarole locations recorded by KenGen are associated with north-south trending normal faults and hydrothermally altered zones. An older ring structure in the western portion of the Eburru volcanic complex was also identified via aerial photos, mapping, and satellite imagery. This ring structure is associated with the eruption of a stratigraphically lower series of pantellerites, trachytes, and pyroclastics.